Another premiere takes the stage at Theatre Works this September with Brittanie Shipway’s latest work, Senser, being presented from September 7 to 17
A graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art, Shipway is a proud Gumbaynggirr and Turkish woman and the recent recipient of the prestigious 2022 Australia Council First Nations Dreaming Award.
Currently a resident dramaturge for Theatre Works’ First Nations Initiative and the Director of their First Stories Festival, her latest work asks; “Would you risk everything to hear a song one last time?”
Centring around main character Ava, Senser is set in a neoliberal world where everyone is watched by Guardians and music has been censored out of existence.
Three generations into this new age people are content with the silence, but Ava hears music everywhere she goes.
Determined to share the soundtrack of the past she opens an illicit underground cabaret bar, which is fraught with danger. Because in her world you wouldn’t ever dream of being caught singing.
“The Western world is obsessed with social progression and technological advances, but we rarely stop to think of the repercussions of such progress,” explains writer Brittanie Shipway.
A defiant and devilish celebration of music, freedom, and the things that keep us human, Senser will feature original music by Jess Newman and an immersive design by Grace Deacon.
Directed by fellow NIDA graduate Miranda Middleton, this compelling new work will transport Melbourne audiences into a dark and enchanting world of drag kings, cabaret queens, and outlawed dance halls.
September 7 – 17 . Tues. – Sat. 7:30pm
Tickets: $40 Full, $32 Concession, $25 Preview and Student, $20 20 at 20 (+ booking fee)
Bookings: 9534 3388 or online at www.theatreworks.org.au/program/senser
Venue: Theatre Works, 14 Acland Street, St Kilda. www.theatreworks.org.au
Duration: 60 minutes no interval
Suitable for audiences 15+
Warnings: use of haze and some dark subject matters

• Cheryl Threadgold